Women's Travel Health

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There are some travel-related health issues specific to women that you need to keep up-to-date with.

Pap Smears

Pap smears are recommended every two years, so if you are travelling for an extended period of time, make sure your checks remain current. Depending on your age, it is a good idea to have a breast examination at the same time.

Menstruation

Tampons and sanitary pads can be difficult to obtain in many less developed countries. Always take an adequate supply. Some women prefer to take a re-usable menstrual cup if staying for extended periods in developing countries.

Irregular Bleeding

Time zone changes or a disrupted routine can affect your cycle and cause irregular bleeding. It usually settles down and should not be a cause for concern. Prolonged or heavy bleeding should be reviewed by a doctor.

Some women stop having periods while travelling. If there is any possibility of pregnancy, perform a pregnancy test as soon as possible.

Contraception

Travellers taking the combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) should be aware that it may become ineffective in cases of:

Diarrhoea, vomiting, or severe nausea.

Antibiotics.

High doses of vitamin C (contained in some jet lag pills).

Missing a pill by more than 24 hours.

Missed Pills and the ‘Seven-Day Rule’

The ‘seven-day rule’ is a simple way to ensure you are not at risk of pregnancy when taking the COC.

It takes seven days for the COC to prevent ovulation. If you get sick during your travels, or you miss a pill, use extra contraception methods or abstain from sex during the period of illness and for the following seven days of active pill. Skip the sugar pills if necessary so that you take seven active pills in a row. Take a copy of your pill instructions with you for more detail. The progesterone-only pill, or ‘mini-pill’ must be taken at the same time every day. Even missing the mini-pill by more than a few hours can result in pregnancy. Depot and injectable progesterone, IUCDs and the vaginal ring are not affected by any of the above, and may be a better option for long-term travel. It may be hard to buy the COC in some countries so always ensure you have an adequate supply before you depart.

Changing Time Zones

The contraceptive pill must be taken every 24 hours, and it is better to take it early rather than late.

It is often easier to keep to home time when taking the pill and to gradually adjust to local time on arrival. If you are more than 24 hours late taking your pill the ‘seven-day rule’ applies.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception, or the ‘morning after’ pill, is effective up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, but can be taken up to five days later. The emergency contraceptive pill is not an alternative to other forms of contraception. Emergency contraceptive medication usually consists of two tablets taken 12 hours apart, and is available over the counter in many countries. If you have not had a period within three weeks of taking emergency contraception, it is important to get a pregnancy test.

Unprotected intercourse also puts you at risk of sexually transmitted infections. These occur at higher rates in some countries. If you believe you are at risk of infection, seek medical help as soon as possible. Condoms should always be carried as a backup. They are often hard to obtain at short notice and not always of good quality in some countries. Take your own supply with you.

Contraception and Deep Vein Thrombosis

Combined oral contraceptive pills increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Prolonged immobility can also increase your risk, as can living at high altitudes. When flying, avoid alcohol and sleeping tablets, keep well hydrated, and exercise your legs regularly. Consider wearing properly fitted compression stockings. Consider alternate forms of contraception if you have other risk factors for DVT, such as smoking, obesity, varicose veins, or aged over 35.

High altitude travel can also raise the risk of DVT for women on COC. Consider alternative contraception if you are planning to stay at over 3500 metres for several weeks. The combined pill is definitely not recommended if you are spending over a week at very high altitude (4500 metres or higher).

Unexplained pain or swelling in either calf muscle is a warning of DVT. Stop taking your contraceptive pills immediately and seek medical advice.

Aspirin has not been shown to be effective at preventing deep vein thrombosis. It is associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and should not be used to prevent the condition.

Women’s Health Issues

Yeast Infections

Vaginal yeast infections (candida, or thrush) can occur, especially when travelling in tropical climates, and is exacerbated by tight clothing and synthetic material. Some antibiotics can also increase the risk. Treatment can be difficult to obtain in some countries. If you are prone to candida, consider taking treatment with you.

Cystitis

Cystitis is a common urinary tract infection (UTI), particularly in women. Various medications including oral tablets are usually prescribed to treat yeast infections and can usually be obtained over the counter. These medications can be difficult to obtain in some countries. If you are prone to cystitis, consider taking treatment with you.

Travelling While Pregnant

Travelling to less developed countries is not generally recommended while pregnant.

Live vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and yellow fever should not generally be given to pregnant women. Always check with your travel doctor.

Malaria can be more severe in pregnancy and poses serious problems for the baby. Some anti-malarial drugs are not safe in pregnancy.

Countries with outbreaks of Zika virus should be avoided during pregnancy.

Some antibiotics should also be avoided in pregnancy, and the use of iodine water purifiers is also not advised.

We recommend contacting the airline and your insurer prior to departure to make sure you are properly covered, and the airline permits you to fly. It is not recommended for women over 35 weeks pregnant to undertake flights over five hours.